Dwarf

Overview

Dwarves are industrious children of earth and stone, they are stoic and stern. Ensconced in cities carved from the hearts of mountains or hills and fiercely determined to repel the depredations of their eternal enemies above and below the earth. More than any other ancestry, the dwarves have acquired a reputation as dour, greedy and humorless craftsmen of the earth. It could be said that dwarven history shapes the dark disposition of many dwarves, for they reside in dangerous realms. Dwarves are driven by honor and tradition, and while they are often satirized as standoffish, they have a strong sense of friendship and justice, and those who win their trust understand that, while they work hard, they play even harder—especially when good ale is involved.

To a dwarf their hair displays their status in society. Men keep well groomed beards adorned with metal, runic sigils symbolize nobility. Woman adorn and grow out their hair in the same fashion, though they do not grow beards. Criminals and the dishonorable have all hair forcibly shaven. In rare events some even have their hair burned of to prevent regrowing. These often tattoo their heads to make up for having no hair.

Hill Dwarf

Hill Dwarves are adventurous people who made their mighty clan castles atop the rocky hills where they contend with the dangerous wildlife found within. They are an oddity amidst the dwarven people as they live lives that largely take place above ground. They are animal herders, trainers of wild beasts and hunters of mighty prey with a particular affinity to flying beasts such as Griffons which are prized creatures amidst their people. Hill Dwarves are the most adventurous and often travel far and wide in order to bring glory to their clan.

They are darker of skin tone than most dwarves and often decorate their bodies with markings that mark their deeds and ancestors.

Mountain Dwarf

Mountain Dwarves are the most commonly referred to Dwarves . They hail from stone citadel amidst the mountains and are accustomed to a difficult life in rugged subteranean terrain where enemies lurk above and below ground. Mountain Dwarves are famed for being reclusive and keeping to the most ancient of traditions, regardless of how outdated they might be. Generally only a single clan engages in trade with the outside world, while the rest keeps to their hearth and forges. Most of their trade comes in the form of weapons, armor, gems and ales which they barter for foodstuffs and other supplies.

They have pale complexions and darker hair colors.

Deep Dwarf

The Deep dwarves, live dangerous lives deep in the Underdark. After delving deeper than any other dwarves, they were enslaved by terrible evils below. While they defeated their oppressors and won back their freedom, their demeanor and society was forever changed. They've become grim and dour who've formed their society around purity and strength of body and mind led by spiritual leaders. As such they abhor the growth of hair, meaningless sexual acts, smoking and alcohol. Those among them that partake of slavery trade criminals from the surface world for valuable resources found deeper below.

Deep Dwarves are very recognizable as they are pale blue or ashen-skinned and are hairless.